Terrebonne plans public meetings for school tax

Tuesday

Apr 2, 2013 at 8:44 PM

Terrebonne Parish schools will hold two public meetings this week to discuss the district’s tax increase proposal.

Xerxes WilsonStaff Writer

Terrebonne Parish schools will hold two public meetings this week to discuss the district’s tax increase proposal.The first meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday at the South Terrebonne High School’s auditorium. The second will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday in Terrebonne High School’s auditorium.School Superintendent Philip Martin said the purpose of the meetings is to give parents the opportunity to “learn the facts” about the tax proposition.Voters will be asked May 4 to increase the property tax schools collect from 9.27 mills to 40.27 mills.A mill is a $1 tax on every $1,000 of a property’s assessed value. In Louisiana, the first $75,000 of a home’s value is exempt from taxes.The owner of a $150,000 home — the value of residential property owned by the average Terrebonne taxpayer — will pay $232 more a year if the tax increase passes. That same homeowner is now paying about $70 annually for schools.The proposition has come under fire from residents and the Houma-Terrebonne Chamber of Commerce because of a perceived lack of explanation on how the money will be spent. “Without a detailed implementation plan, budget and measurable outcomes demonstrating how this significant tax increase will further strengthen the school system, the Houma-Terrebonne Chamber of Commerce cannot support the $25 million annual tax increase proposed by the School Board,” said Jennifer Armand, the chamber’s board chairwoman.Martin said these meetings will provide an opportunity for parents to learn more about the district’s detailed plans for spending the money.“We did a facility planning study a few years ago that we have gone back to and used that information in terms of what renovations are needed in what schools. It is a very detailed and specific study,” Martin said, countering criticism of the district’s plans. Martin said he will also take some time to communicate the district’s needs. .“The needs we have far outweigh the revenues this millage will provide,” Martin said. “I am convinced the majority of our parents have no idea that Terrebonne Parish schools are funded locally at the level it is relative to other parishes.” Martin said the meetings will be informal, with him addressing the crowd and the opportunity for questions afterward. “I really want to give them facts, and they can draw conclusions one way or another,” Martin said.